Nearly 70 families and almost 20 police officers came out to the NYPD Anchor Club’s annual widows and children outing at Luna Park on July 9 to enjoy a day at the world-famous destination.
The excursion, which is part of a series of events held each year for the families of NYPD officers who have died on and off duty, is all about providing a special day for the kids.
“We give the kids a day to smile and be happy and let them know they’re never forgotten and that no matter what they’re still part of our family,” said Anchor Club president Mike McInnis.
Attendees went for a spin on the rides at Luna Park, checked out a fully restored vintage police car, and chowed down at a barbecue. Mounted police officers, police dogs, and an NYPD emergency services vehicle came out to the event as well. The group then headed to Sheepshead Bay and an NYPD harbor unit took the kids out on its boats.
“It’s not going to bring back the person that was killed, but I think it’s nice,” said Maureen Brisette, a Wantagh, Long Island resident who has come to the Coney Island outing nearly every year since her brother was killed in 1989. “The Anchor Club really never forgets the families of the cops that were killed.”
The Anchor Club is a branch of the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal benefits organization which both raises money and volunteers for charitable causes. It was founded in 1922 and is made up of both active and retired police officers. Other Anchor Club functions include a Christmas party in December and ice skating at Rockefeller Center in March.
